‘勉励’ is a verb meaning ‘to urge’ or ‘to exhort’—typically with warmth and encouragement, not harsh pressure. It combines 勉 (miǎn), meaning ‘to make an effort’ or ‘to strive’, and 励 (lì), meaning ‘to encourage’ or ‘to spur on’. Together, they convey the idea of actively supporting someone’s effort by offering motivation, praise, or constructive advice. It’s commonly used in interpersonal contexts: teachers to students, parents to children, mentors to juniors, or colleagues offering moral support.

This word carries a positive, uplifting connotation and implies sincerity and care. Unlike the more neutral ‘鼓励’ (to encourage), ‘勉励’ often suggests a gentle but firm call to perseverance, especially when facing difficulty or doubt. It frequently appears in formal speeches, letters of recommendation, graduation remarks, and heartfelt conversations where growth and resilience are emphasized.